Music Educators Association of New Jersey
Serving teachers and students since 1927
Three recitals sparkled with outstanding musicianship at the Randolph Performing Arts Center on November 9, 2025. Forty-five students performed flawlessly to appreciative audiences and applause, with fifteen achieving High Honors. Four students received High Honors for the second time. Congratulations to all the remarkable young pianists — and to the teachers who constantly encourage their music excellence!
Proud MEA teacher Florence Liu with her Honors students: Derrick Chu, Esther Lu*, Valerie Chu*, Sriya Menon and the three Dong sisters—Jasmine*, Sophie and Maggie. Other teachers whose students received awards were Elena Bartolf, Barbara Landi Hause, Sherry Kim, Nancy Modell and Sophia Ososkov.
* High Honors
The first time in many years, the repertoire requirements were changed in 2025 to expand the choice of performance pieces. This resulted in one original composition and a wide variety of genres played by very accomplished musicians. Teachers whose students appeared in the 3 p.m. recital were Azar Gordon, Tomoko Harada, Aziza Khasanova- Madaski, Florence Liu, Dr. Thomas Parente, and Sondra Tammam.
* High Honors
The longest of the recitals at almost an hour, this event featured 15 pianists, eight of whom boasted High Honors. Lawrence Wong, student of Sherry Kim, took home a second High Honors trophy, as did Andy Yeung, student of Dr. Julia Lam. Other High Honors recipients were students of Beatrice Long, Yelena Mamonova, and Dr. Thomas Parente. Judy Kessler debuted two students who were thrilled to receive their Honors trophies.
* High Honors
THANK YOU!
Judges: Alex Collins, Barbara Landi Hause, David Iskowitz, Kai Pangune Kim, Linda Petrocchi and Yuka Yanagi
Lindeblad School of Music: for the use of their wonderful facility for the auditions
The Music Den: for the lovely Randolph Performing Arts Center
Honors Recital Committee
Charlene Step, Chair
Ruth Pasquariello, Registrar
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The Music Educators Association of NJ is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization of private piano teachers founded in 1927. Our mission is to raise the standards of private music teaching throughout New Jersey, while encouraging musical excellence and instilling a love of music in our students.
